How to Get Involved During the Oklahoma Teacher Walk Out

Whether you have school age children or not, there is no doubt that the Oklahoma Teacher Walk Out has touched you in some way. Many people have stepped up to get involved and as the walk out continues, the needs will continue to grow.

Here are 7 ways you can get involved:

Prayer

As Christians, we believe in the power of prayer to an almighty God who loves each of us and cares about every issue in our lives. Here are a few ways we can pray regardless of our personal stance on this issue.

* Pray for God to move in the hearts of teachers and the legislature to come to a timely and reasonable solution.

* Pray for a bridled tongue and a heart of compassion and love when talking to others.

* Pray for wisdom and discernment for how you can help those within your circle of influence as they navigate this crisis.

Contact Your State Legislator

* Do background research, using reliable sources, before firing off an email with your position — it’s difficult to effectively argue an issue with incomplete or incorrect facts.

* You can often use your elected officials’ official websites to sign up for email newsletters and other updates. You may also want to follow them on social media and comment directly on their posts.

* Phone calls from constituents are often more effective than emails because emails are depersonalized and easily ignored amid other overwhelming requests for contact.

Volunteer

Volunteers with AmeriCorp Reading Partners keep kids minds sharp at Eastwood Tusa’s Day Camp, FREE for 5 -12 year olds for the duration of the walk out.

There are many agencies involved in providing meals and day care for school age children during the walk out. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, here are a few places to get you started.

Support your Teacher

There are always many sides to an issue and not everyone will share the same position on the Fight for Education. For those who choose to support your teacher while they walk for education, here is something you can do locally.

Many teachers who do not go to the capital are making their voices heard at various locations around the area. Support their efforts by taking them a beverage or a meal while they #WalkForEducation. Maybe even stand with them.

Teachers from Broken Arrow Public Schools ban together to Walk for Education.

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to change it is not. -Dr.Seuss

Social Media

Show your support on social media by posting your comments/thoughts and pictures and don’t forget to use these hashtags: #OklaEd #OklahomaTeachers #TeacherWalkOut #OklaEdWalkOut #OKwalk4kids #FundOurKids #FundOkEd #thetimeisnow

Keep Their Minds Sharp

Read to or with your children every day. Take them outside to play (or to an indoor playground) to exercise their bodies and have social interaction.

Reading 30 minutes every day is an important step to literacy.

For the Working Parent(s)

Many sites are open to distribute free breakfast and lunch to children 5 – 18 years old. Many sites offer Free Day Care for school age children 5 – 12 years old. For more information, see our Resource Guide.

Register your child for FREE Day Camp at Eastwood Tulsa located off 11th Street between Mingo and Memorial in East Tulsa here. Available for children 5 – 12 years old.

Volunteer to Monitor State Testing

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has graciously extended the testing window by one week to give students an appropriate transition back into the classroom. Test monitors are always needed. Get involved by volunteering your time to be a test monitor for your local school.

Shirley Pittenger is the Digital Communications & Social Media Manager at Eastwood Baptist Church. She is married to Bob Pittenger who is the Community Groups Pastor at the Church at Battlecreek in the Tulsa Metro area. Shirley holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Baptist College of Florida. She enjoys teaching in the youth group, singing, reading, studying God’s Word, and spending time with her family.

About Us

Eastwood Baptist Church loves reaching out to people in the local community, inspiring the body of Christ and caring for our church family. We love serving the local community and we want you to be a part of our family.